Most helpful positive review

This movie will not appeal to everyone. It is a bit draggy at first, as it dwells on the inner world of a loner whose life is absorbed in creating an encyclopedia of the obsolete, thus the title. But I loved it, because of the sensitive interplay between him and a beautiful, free-spirited woman who provokes many levels of awakening in him. The story of their relationship moves from believable tentative beginnings to a touching unfolding of their immense differences by cleverly taking them out of city routines to the purity and clarity of Death Valley. Superb photography and timing imparts a sense of being there--the space, the soft breeze, and unaltered natural earth. The film makers deserve high praise for their treatment of this metaphor.

Obselidia could hardly be more unlike the usual Hollywood movie style. It leaves one feeling stirred up a bit, not neatly resolved, much as it is in real life. It leaves one thinking about question huge and small, knowing very well that you have been exposed just to some view points of some very unusual individuals, if not strange characters. It leaves you respectfully on your own.

Most helpful critical review

and lifeless is the best word to describe this film. Encyclopedia of obsolete things...interesting premise...if only there was an intriguing narrative. Brilliant scientist that has prophetic vision...if only there was life and character in the script. Boring actors...if they only had a clue. If only there was one word other word to describe the sum of it all...there is, banal.

I completely agree with previous reviewer delvpool-- not only is this delicately wonderful film as far from Hollywood product as you can imagine, but it also won't appeal to many viewers because it doesn't offer a formulaic, neat & tidy payoff. In many ways, it's more poetry than prose, depending as much on overall mood & shimmering imagery as on its intelligent dialogue & nuanced performances. First-time writer/director Diane Bell has created a luminous & haunting work of art ... but it's not a dead, sterile object of unmoving beauty, it's a living, breathing film that plays like an especially vivid & mesmerizing dream, one that lingers long after waking.

Some reviewers have complained that it meanders, that it never goes anywhere. With all due respect, those supposed flaws are precisely its virtues. In this simple story of two very different human beings, both sensitive & wondering how they should live, we're invited to pause, reflect, and think about our own lives. Yet in addition to exploring the little details of life -- watch George's rapturous delight as he releases ladybugs into his yard, observing them on his hand, for example -- it also delves into some very big questions indeed. The drastic future predicted by climate change & humanity's terrible stewardship of the earth have an important place here, not so much as accusation as a spur to the most existential questions: How are we to live? What is truly meaningful? How much of our lives do we waste on socially imposed trivia & garbage? Why can't we slow down & cherish the countless vanishing joys that can & should enrich our lives?

The plot, such as it is, might seem familiar: shy, likeable young man opens up a bit thanks to free-spirited young woman. But it's more than that easy film cliché, because George isn't entirely wrong about many of his core beliefs, and Sophie is clearly using her upbeat attitude as a shield against uncertainty to some extent. If she changes George, he does the same for her. And it's a real pleasure to watch their friendship develop in such a charming, old-fashioned way, via earnest discussions of ideas & art & philosophy.

If I'm going on a bit, it's because this small film has really resonated with me. It's like a one-of-a-kind artist's book, lovingly crafted down to the tiniest piece, a collection of jeweled miniatures ... but those jewels are alive, flickering with dew & sunlight. The cinematography & score both enhance the film immeasurably; in fact, everything fits together beautifully, but never so tightly that it becomes rigid & mechanical. It's the sort of film you watch as you might watch a bird, alighting for a moment on a branch, then darting away on bright wings. Most highly recommended!

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

and lifeless is the best word to describe this film. Encyclopedia of obsolete things...interesting premise...if only there was an intriguing narrative. Brilliant scientist that has prophetic vision...if only there was life and character in the script. Boring actors...if they only had a clue. If only there was one word other word to describe the sum of it all...there is, banal.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

A movie like this didn't need to move fast or have action. But it still moved far too slow. Some good ideas, and the main characters are very likeable until they aren't. The background tune for the first half of the movie is mind numbingly insipid. Looks very nice despite the low budget. But the interesting ideas, and viewpoints of a couple quirky people start off and then don't get anywhere. Too much promised, not enough delivered.

I was glad I watched it, it was different than mainstream movie fare these days. But I just can't give it more than a couple stars. In the end it was quite shallow and incomplete. Then to make it worse, the ending was quite disingenuous. Almost enough to make me take away another star. But I will leave it at two.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

... If you are comfortable with viewing the world as something ephemeral that has always been passing away, then strap on this film which is rather existentially grim with the message of "enjoy it while we can". (but really, isn't that the way it is anyway?). We get to choose whether we opt for that existential hand-wringing or go pogo-sticking on the salt flats of Death Valley.